Photovoltaic (Solar Electric)

Have you ever seen an electricity meter go backwards? It’s possible. Photovoltaic (PV) technology has been around for a long time. It is used every day by most of us without knowing it. Satellites that give us in TV signals, GPS navigation, telephone communications, weather reports, radio stations and more use the sun to produce the power needed.

Basic animation of PV panels in action

Three system designs are available:

Grid-Direct:

Similar to Solar Thermal, PV modules can be mounted on your roof or as a standalone to help power your home. The power generated by these modules runs through an inverter and can then be used to help power your home or business. When the sun is out, the electricity generated will be sent into your home helping to lower your power costs. Whether you are at home or away, and there is no or low power demand in your home, the excess power being generated from you system will back feed onto the utility, earning you credits for future use.

Off-Grid

Off –Grid systems provide power for homes with no utility access, remote cabins, summer homes, recreational properties, etc. with the addition of a battery pack. In this system the panels are linked to an inverter as well as a charger controller. This charge controller helps maintain the charge in the batteries extending their useful life. An off – grid system can be coupled with a generator, wind or hydro turbine, or a combination to assure your location has a reliable power source.

Hybrid or Grid-Tie Battery Back up

These systems perform like a standard Grid-tie system, but also charge a battery bank to be used for emergencies. Instead of one electric supply panel, a home furnished with a hybrid system will have 2 panels: a main panel, and a back-up panel. When the grid is operating, both panels will be supplied with electricity and the home will function normally. When the power goes out, only the back-up panel will be supplied with power. It is important for the consumer to keep the back-up panel as small as possible to maximize battery usefulness. Our recommendations can include the heating system, fridge, computer, and a few strategically placed lights in the home; just enough to keep the food from spoiling, to stay warm, and to get around at night.

WARNING: The concept of solar PV is simple. However, electricity is very dangerous, and should only be handled by skilled licensed contractors. Intermountain Wind and Solar has such installers, and can assure you of a safe, effective, and well designed system for years of trouble free renewable electricity.

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